Frankenstein: Less Human Than His Creation

There are obvious similarities between Victor and his creation; each is abandoned, isolated, and both start out with

good intentions. However, Victor's ego in his search for god-like capabilities overpowers his humanity. The creature

is nothing but benevolent until society shuns him as an outcast on account of his deformities. The creature is more

humane than his own creator because his wicked deeds are committed in response to society's corruption; while

Frankenstein's evil work stems only from his own greed.

Victor Frankenstein and his creation are very much alike. Both are abandoned by their creators at a young

age; Frankenstein is left without his mother after her death, the creature is rejected by Frankenstein's abandonment.

Frankenstein and the monster are also similar in that they are isolated and outcasts of society. Frankenstein is

hypothetically an outcast when he consumes himself in work and is isolated when the creature kills those he loves,

and the creature is obviously isolated as a hideous outcast of society. Victor Frankenstein starts out with good

intentions; he is merely seeking to gain knowledge of natural philosophy. Soon, his greed for god-like power

overcomes him and he becomes consumed with the idea of creating life, "Summer months passed while I was thus

engaged, heart and soul, in one pursuit" (32). The creature also starts out with kindness, he tells his creator, "Believe

me, Frankenstein: I was benevolent; my soul glowed with love and humanity: but am I not alone, miserably alone?"

(66). However, after society refuses to accept him based on personal appearance, the creature becomes angry.

The creature has an overwhelming capacity to love as can be seen in his admiration for the peasants, "[The

creature's] thoughts now became more active, and [he] longed to discover the motives and feelings of these lovely

creatures... [he] thought (foolish wretch!) that it might be in [his] power to restore happiness to these